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Discharge of Firearm Utah - Criminal Defense Lawyer Salt Lake

Under Utah law, discharging a firearm can be a criminal offense under some circumstances. If you are facing prosecution for discharging a firearm or for other criminal charges, Stephen Howard can help ensure that your rights are protected. As an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney, he has a record of success in defending clients facing firearms charges and many other criminal offenses in Utah. He has a record of achieving real results for his clients. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with Stephen Howard.

Elements of a Firearm Discharge Criminal Case in Utah

Under the Utah criminal code, section 76-10-508, it is a crime to discharge a firearm from an automobile or other vehicle. The same section of the Utah criminal code also prohibits shooting a gun "from, upon, or across any highway" as well as shooting at road signs, railroad equipment or facilities, communications equipment including lines, poles or other transmission equipment and also within certain distances from houses and other buildings. Although this section of the Utah criminal code designates this charge as a misdemeanor, there are circumstances under which discharging a gun can be filed as a felony.

Utah Code 76-10-508.1 creates felony penalties for discharging a firearm under a variety of circumstances. If the firearm is discharged in the direction of any person, vehicle, or "habitable structure" then felony penalties can apply.

Possible Penalties for a Conviction for Discharging a Firearm in Utah

Whether you are facing felony or misdemeanor prosecution, prosecutors and judges take all firearms charges seriously. A felony conviction for unlawful discharge of a firearm under Utah Code 76-10-508.1 is punishable by a prison term of not less than three years. Depending on whether injuries are caused as a result of the firearm discharge, maximum penalties can be imposed for terms of up to 5 years, 15 years, or potentially life in prison. A misdemeanor conviction for unlawful discharge of a firearm under Utah Code 76-10-508 is punishable by up to six months in jail.

Finding a Utah Criminal Defense Attorney in Salt Lake City

Stephen Howard is an experienced Utah criminal defense attorney who represents clients charged with firearms violations and other criminal offenses throughout the state. His track record speaks for itself. If you are facing criminal prosecution for the unlawful discharge of a firearm, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side.

Based in Salt Lake City, criminal defense lawyer Stephen Howard offers legal services to clients throughout Utah. If you have been charged with a crime, contact us to learn how Stephen Howard can help you.

Selected Victories
Not Guilty - Client was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing handgun at and threatening another driver during a road rage incident. Defense investigation and analysis, combined with effective cross-examination at trial indicated the alleged victim was the initial aggressor and suported client's self-defense claim. Jury acquitted client at trial.
Dismissed - Client facing first-degree felony drug distribution charge and potential life in prison. Charges were based on allegations that client had sold drugs to an undercover police officer, then made a full confession. Successful mitigation work resulted in negotiated offer of misdemeanor plea-in-abeyance and ultimate dismissal of case.
Released - Client absconded for more than 10 years from felony probation with Adult Probation and Parole. At an order to show cause hearing, prosecutor argued aggressively for prison. Based on effective mitigation efforts by the defense, the judge agreed to release client without further jail.
Dismissal - Client was charged with first-degree felony home burglary and facing potential life in prison. Defense analysis revealed flaws in prosecutor's case which led to abeyance agreement intended to lead to a full dismissal of the case.

Recent Posts
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Can I handle a Utah misdemeanor from out-of-state? - Even if you do not intend to take your case to trial, a misdemeanor criminal offense in Utah can require multiple court appearances to reach a resolution. If you have been charged with a crime in Utah, but are not a Utah resident, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help you resolve the case without returning to the state. . . .

Successfully defending against criminal prosecution requires more than just an 'aggressive' defense. The best defense attorneys understand that a sophisticated defense requires a thorough understanding of a variety of nuanced legal issues, real experience in the courtroom, good negotiation skills, and much more. Fighting hard is good. Fighting smart is better....

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Defending against a criminal prosecution in Utah is a job that has to be done right the first time. Choosing the right attorney to defend you can be the most important decision you make. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling some of the most serious felony and misdemeanor charges on the books in Utah. No matter what charges you are facing, we can help....

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Conviction Consequences - Utah Criminal Defense

In Utah, even a "minor" misdemeanor conviction carries the potential for jail time and significant fines. A felony conviction carries the potential of lengthy prison terms and the various consequences that come with being labeled as a convicted felon. Never plead guilty without first finding out....

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Facing criminal prosecution in Utah can feel like your world is collapsing. But there are reasons to remain hopeful, and there are things you can do right now that can help increase the odds of a successful outcome. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you evaluate the various options you have, and can help you....

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Attorney Stephen Howard practices as part of the Canyons Law Group, LLC and Stephen W. Howard, PC.

Offices in Salt Lake and Davis Counties
560 South 300 East, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
952 S. Main St., Suite A, Layton, UT 84041

Call now to arrange for a confidential initial consultation with an experienced and effective Utah criminal defense lawyer.

In Salt Lake City, call 801-449-1409.
In Davis County, call 801-923-4345.

Stephen W. Howard, PC

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